The end of 'accidental' likes on Instagram? The new move Meta is considering

Instagram is testing a 'read-only' mode that would prevent accidental likes on profiles. The interface would lock comments, follows, and messages, allowing silent browsing. The feature is expected to be part of a paid premium subscription, sparking an ethical debate about encouraging covert surveillance.

Instagram, owned by Meta, is testing a new 'read-only' mode designed to prevent one of the most common online faux pas: accidentally liking an old post while browsing someone else's profile. According to a leak by Italian app researcher Alessandro Paluzzi, the mode would completely lock all interaction mechanisms – like buttons, comments, sharing, direct messages (DMs), following the user, and viewing stories. The move aims to allow users to conduct background checks or deeply investigate accounts without leaving traces or notifications. However, according to reports, the upgrade will not be free but will be integrated as an exclusive add-on within the Instagram Plus premium subscription, as part of Meta One bundles. Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri has previously admitted that the company has no way to delete push notifications once they are sent. The development raises an ethical debate: some see it as encouraging covert surveillance and harassment, while others define it as a long-overdue upgrade to the user experience. The feature is in internal testing stages, and no official launch date has been announced.